Perfect move for man immersed in his work
FEW people would be more adoring of the Great Barrier Reef’s wonder than Gareth Phillips, a South African-born biologist and skipper now at the helm of a slick new vessel.
Mr Phillips skippers Passions III for Passions of Paradise, a locally-owned Great Barrier Reef operator.
He also owns Reef Teach, an interactive presentation by marine biologists about the Reef.
“I love boats and I’ve always liked the ethos of Passions so when I was invited to skipper their new catamaran I was very excited – who doesn’t want a new boat,” he said.
“The crew send passengers who want to know more to talk to me, as I have three degrees in marine science and the crew ask questions to which means their knowledge of the Reef is increasing.”
Mr Phillips’s first foray into tourism was in South Africa co-ordinating a centre for dolphin studies and he still enjoys encounters with the larger marine animals, especially the dwarf minke whales that visit the Ribbon Reefs north of Port Douglas each June and July.
“Some of the more intimate encounters with smaller animals can be just as exciting, for example watching a rock mover wrasse lift up coral and feed on small crustaceans and other tiny invertebrates underneath,” he said.
“I also have a few favourite places, like Tracy’s Bommie at Flynn Reef, which is just stunning with sharks, turtles, immense coral cover and diverse fish life.
“My ultimate place to go is the northeastern outer shoulder of Thetford Reef where there is almost 100 per cent live coral cover and big drop offs with the potential for mega fauna to be seen.”
Mr Phillips was optimistic about the natural wonder’s prospects.
“There has been a decline in coral from the two bleaching events, but there is still more live coral than deceased coral in the places I visit and as this spawning event has been so successful, it is looking good for the recovery of the reefs in the next few years,” he said.
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